Florida Black Bear and Wildlife Conservation Festival is fresh and free fun for the whole family!

The free, family-oriented festival, now in its 14th year, is scheduled for Saturday,
October 11, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at beautiful Cadwell Park in Umatilla, south
of the Ocala National Forest. The free event is a great way for families to spend a
few hours together doing something fun and educational at the same time

The Florida Black Bear and Wildlife Conservation Festival is a an educational event and in recent years has been hosted in March. With wildlife interaction being at an all-time high in the Fall months, the Partners agreed that moving the festival to October would best meet the education mission and offer more opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the festival activities.
Central Florida boasts the highest density of bears in the state and can truly be called bear country, but that distinction brings with it the responsibility to learn how to live with bears with minimal conflict.

The mission of this festival is to increase awareness and promote safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native Florida species, as well as, Florida’s unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat. Florida is home to more than 575 species of wildlife, more than 200 species of freshwater fish and more than 500 species of salt water fish.

Some activities include but are not limited to bear habitat field trips into the Ocala National Forest and educational presentations about Florida wildlife, featuring multi -media presentations and a children’s arts and crafts area. The “Come Be A Bear” activity where children wear “bear vests” and learn about the seasons of a Florida black bear, entertainment by local musicians and bear and wildlife merchandise, food and more! Visit www.umatillachamber.org/blackbearfest for more info!

Annual Cracker
Christmas Parade & Festival

Over 35 years in the making, Umatilla hosts the ever popular Cracker Christmas parade and festival. A true “hometown” festival, the day begins with the annual "dog jog", followed by one of the area's largest Christmas parades. An all day festival in Cadwell Park rounds out the day that includes arts & crafts, local folk artisans, food, children's activities and local entertainment. Although the Cracker Christmas parade and festival has experienced changes in the last five years, the event has been rescheduled for the second Saturday in December each year. Come and experience the hospitality of Umatilla's Christmas Celebration.
Location: Cadwell Park
Address: 4 Cassady Street, UmatillaCost: Free
Contact Name: Umatilla Chamber of Commerce
Contact Phone: (352) 669-3511